---
title: "Spreadsheets: Rows, Columns and a Formula That Updates Itself"
description: "A spreadsheet holds values in cells and formulas that refer to those cells by name. Change one value and everything computed from it recalculates, which is what makes a sheet a model rather than a tab"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/spreadsheets-rows-columns-and-a-formula-that-updates-itself-mt_iWyPF0-Abz
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/spreadsheets-rows-columns-and-a-formula-that-updates-itself-mt_iWyPF0-Abz.md
retrieved: 2026-09-12
---

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# Spreadsheets: Rows, Columns and a Formula That Updates Itself

A spreadsheet holds values in cells and formulas that refer to those cells by name. Change one value and everything computed from it recalculates, which is what makes a sheet a model rather than a table.

Subject: Computing · Area: Digital Literacy · Ages 11 to 13
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/spreadsheets-rows-columns-and-a-formula-that-updates-itself-mt_iWyPF0-Abz

## Ready when they can

- Write a formula that refers to cells rather than to numbers typed into the formula
- Change one input and predict, before looking, which cells will change
- Copy a formula down a column and say what happened to the references it contains

## Lesson: Cells That Do the Math

A spreadsheet is a model, not just a table. When you plan snacks for a class party, you type a formula into a cell, starting with an equals sign, and the sheet works out the total cost. The whole file is called a workbook, and one grid tab inside it is called a worksheet.

Every formula starts with an equals sign and may name cells, like =A1+A2. Use star for times and slash for divide, with brackets to set order.

**Example.** A1 holds 4 and A2 holds 7, so =A1+A2 shows 11. Change A1 to 10 and the answer updates to 17 all by itself. Copy that formula down a column and its names shift with it, so one rule prices a whole list.

**Tip.** Copy a formula down a column and its names shift with it. Copying down is how one rule prices a whole list.

**Recap.** Point formulas at cells, not fixed numbers, and the sheet updates itself when inputs change.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Creating Digital Content](https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/creating-digital-content-mt_dfhHVURsn6)
- [Substituting into Formulae](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/substituting-into-formulae-mt_vHzVa3SURC)

## Opens up

- [Sorting and Filtering a Table to Answer a Question](https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/sorting-and-filtering-a-table-to-answer-a-question-mt_6-UzZXVWwV)
- [A Budget That Survives a Real Month](https://lightmysky.com/learn/life-skills/a-budget-that-survives-a-real-month-mt_tFRHTFelNG)